Break and enters continue to remain an all-too-common occurrence in Canada, with more than 150,000 reported to police annually of which six in 10 are residential. Another 30% are business and 10% are other locations such as a school, shed or detached garage.

Research indicates the decision to commit a crime is tied to the perceived risk of being caught. To protect your property, the OPP recommends the following:

• Always keep your front door and garage doors locked, even when you are in the house or backyard.
• Trim hedges below the window level or remove excess landscaping to eliminate hiding spots for criminals.
• Don’t allow strangers into your home.
• Lack of lighting can draw attention to your residence. Use timers to maintain at least two visible lights from the front of the property during the evening. Motion activated lights are also effective against trespassers and helps to alert witnesses.
• Place a piece of wood in the frame of a sliding glass door or window to prevent criminals from lifting them out of place.
• Make sure your home looks lived in. Obvious signs such as un-shovelled snow, uncut lawns, full mailboxes and porch lights left on throughout the day are tell-tale signs that help make the criminals’ job of selecting a target especially easy.
• Engrave an identifying mark on your property to make it easier for police to identify and harder for criminals to sell.
• Take inventory of your property through photos or videos.
• Keep valuables in a safe place when not in use, such as a safety deposit box or in a spot no one would suspect.

For more information on property security, visit Ontario Provincial Police – SafeGuard Ontario Property Security Program or view the Ontario Home Security Audit Guide.

CAMSafe is a program aimed at creating a database of private (residential and commercial) security cameras within communities that will act as a resource for police when investigating crime. The CAMSafe database, only accessible by police officers, is designed to reduce time officers spend searching for footage and play a pivotal role in a fast-moving investigation. For more information about CAMSafe, visit Ontario Provincial Police – CAMSafe.

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“It’s been a nightmare on Main Street. Imagine working hard, providing jobs, contributing to the community, just to have your goods stolen, windows broken, and property vandalized. For small businesses, it’s devastating when they are hit by crime over and over again,” said Keyli Loeppky, CFIB’s director for Alberta and interprovincial affairs.

Waste and litter (e.g. drug paraphernalia, garbage, excrement), vandalism, and theft were the most common types of crime small businesses experience. Crime and safety issues take an emotional toll on small businesses as well, with over two-thirds (68%) worrying about their personal safety and that of their staff and customers.

Businesses have spent a median of $5,000 on crime-related expenses in the last three years, such as replacing stolen inventory or equipment and vandalism repairs. In addition, 68% of small firms do not consistently file crime-related insurance claims, with most saying they worry about driving their insurance premiums even higher, at a time when such costs are already skyrocketing.

Small businesses say governments and law enforcement aren’t doing enough

Over half (54%) of business owners consistently file police reports, but only one-third (33%) are satisfied with police response times and services. Some business owners reported that the crimes they experienced, such as theft or vandalism, were “too small” for police to take action, or that police wouldn’t come for hours or even days after they have been called in these cases.

To deal with safety concerns, half (50%) of small businesses adjusted their ways of operating, such as shifting to appointment-only services, locking doors during business hours and/or leaving lights on overnight. Two-thirds (67%) have invested in extra security measures such as surveillance cameras, window bars and security guards.

“Some security measures, while helpful and necessary, may come at a steep price, deter customer foot traffic and, as a result, lead to lower revenues,” said SeoRhin Yoo, CFIB’s senior policy analyst and report co-author. “Many businesses are already operating on thin profit margins, so just one crime incident could be make-or-break-for a small business owner.”

A strong majority (79%) of business owners believe their tax dollars are not being used effectively to improve community safety, while 78% think that governments are failing to work together on these issues. To address these concerns and foster a sense of security, CFIB recommends governments:

• Address underlying issues contributing to crime, including affordable housing, mental health and addictions.
• Improve resources for small businesses including proactive funding for increased security, crime related repairs, and guidance, prevention and response strategies for business owners and their staff.
• Strengthen collaboration between all levels of government, non-profits, community organizations, and small businesses to develop evidence-based policies and programs to address crime and safety.

Governments should also improve safety in commercial areas and public spaces, develop an improved approach to recidivism, and support diversity among insurance firms by reducing barriers to entry.

“As crime continues to rise, small businesses are being left to fend for themselves, shouldering the emotional and financial burden,” Loeppky concluded. “It’s time for all levels of government to step up, protect our communities, and ensure that every tax dollar spent makes a tangible difference in improving safety for small businesses and the people they serve.”

Read the full Broken Windows and Broken Trust: The Impact of Rising Crime on Small Business report.

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On March 20 and 21, with the assistance of the Central Region Tactics and Rescue Unit, the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit, and Bracebridge Detachment officers, investigators executed five search warrants – two in the Town of Bracebridge and three within the City of Toronto.

As a result of the investigation, police seized a quantity of fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, various prescription medications, a large quantity of cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia.The estimated street value of the drugs seized is in excess of $300,000.

As a result of the investigation, 43-year old Jerrett Dirk of Gravenhurst was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and fentanyl for the purposes of trafficking, and failure to comply with a release order.

24-year old Daniel Shemar Johnson of Toronto was charged with four counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, four counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of a schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking, and two counts of possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000.

23-year old Abria Atkinson of Toronto was charged with two counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of a schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000.

All three have been released from custody to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 23.

From December 2023 to February 2024, there were 832 drug-related deaths in Ontario – a 24% increase from the same time period four years ago.

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On July 13, between midnight and 3:00 am, a number of unlocked motor vehicles were entered and valuables taken.

These incidents occurred in the areas of Victoria Street, Sunnyside Street and Pine Ave in Haliburton.

The suspect is described as six feet tall, slim build, wearing a black coat with white reflective stripes.

Residents are encouraged to lock their motor vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.

Anyone who may have information that might assist with this investigation is asked to contact Haliburton Highlands OPP at 705-286-1431 or toll-free at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.khcrimestoppers.com.

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Harris, who now resides in Seguin, is a local bookkeeper who has managed accounts for several businesses in Parry Sound and the surrounding area.

Harris was arrested on June 21 by the West Parry Sound OPP, at the site of one of the businesses she had been bookkeeping for.

One local business, who has known Harris for over 25 years, alleged that Harris stole over $147,000 over the eight-year period in which she was their bookkeeper.

“This has impacted our family immensely, as well as our family-owned and operated business,” said a representative of the business, who has asked to be identified as S.H. “[We] have known [Leah] for about 25 years. She has been a family friend.”

A court date has been set for August 31 in Parry Sound.

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On November 23, 2021, Matthew Sturgess, 37 years of age from Huntsville, was arrested in relation to this investigation and charged with:

• Accessory After the Fact for the offence of Indignity to Human Remains, contrary to Section 182(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Failure to Comply with an Undertaking, contrary to Section 145(4)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Huntsville on November 24, 2021, and was remanded into custody. Two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this investigation and both remain in custody.

Though the OPP have released information about the arrests, details of the court case are subject to a court-ordered publication ban.

The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) is attempting to determine the identity of the deceased person.

The Huntsville OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), assisted by OPP Central Region Forensic Identification Services and the OPP Central Region Emergency Response Team. The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the OFPS.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Huntsville OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit your information online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Second Person Charged In Connection With Human Remains Located In Huntsville

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On November 22, 2021, Lana MacDonald, 53 years of age from Huntsville, was arrested in relation to this investigation and has been charged with Accessory After the Fact for the offence of Indignity to Human Remains, contrary to Section 182(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Huntsville on November 23, 2021, and was remanded into custody.

Another individual arrested in connection with this investigation remains in custody.

The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) is attempting to determine the identity of the deceased person.

The Huntsville OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), assisted by OPP Central Region Forensic Identification Services and the OPP Central Region Emergency Response Team. The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the OFPS.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Huntsville OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit your information online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Human Remains Found In Huntsville, Local Resident Charged

The post Second Person Charged In Connection With Human Remains Located In Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka Victim Services provides on-site assistance to people impacted by crime, personal or family crises, abuse and more. They offer emotional support while also connecting victims with long-term resources and services in the community. The team behind the organization includes a handful of staff members, a volunteer Board of Directors, and a crew of volunteer team leaders and crisis responders. Michelle Whaley, program coordinator for Muskoka Victim Services, said because they have a full-time staff of just three people, volunteers play a critical role in providing services.

“They are very instrumental in delivering that initial needs assessment and support,” Whaley said. “It’s all about the emotional and practical support to all victims of crime and tragic circumstances and receiving that support immediately following a tragedy can really impact their recovery moving forward.”

Volunteers need to be at least 19 years old, must be able to pass a Vulnerable Sector Check and need to possess a driver’s license with access to a safe and reliable vehicle. After submitting their applications, successful applicants will undergo about 40 hours of online training and around five to seven hours of in-person training. 

The online training includes information on how to handle all kinds of scenarios ranging from domestic violence and sudden death to fires and home invasion, and volunteers can complete it at their own pace. After finishing training, crisis responders are on-call for three 12-hour shifts a month and always respond to calls in pairs.

“We provide you with the training and the support that you’re going to need,” Whaley said. “You’re always supported by the team, you’re never alone, and our community, right now especially, has a very great need for our services.”

More than anything else, volunteers simply need to have empathy and a desire to help. Crisis responders don’t need a background in medicine or any other schooling or experience, so Whaley said those interested should never underestimate what they have to offer.

For some calls, crisis responders arrange accommodations or get basic supplies like food or clothes for victims, but in many cases, volunteers help people just by being there for them and offering emotional support. People don’t always remember that Muskoka Victim Services was on scene after the dust has settled, Whaley said, but in the moment, their presence allows victims to take a breath and focus on taking care of themselves and their loved ones.

“You’re oftentimes reaching people in the community at their worst possible day in their life,”  Whaley said. “Just by going there and caring and wanting to listen, that’s the biggest thing because things just fall into place after that.”

Deb Shaw is a team leader and crisis responder with Muskoka Victim Services. She’s been volunteering with the organization for seven years, and though she’s lent her time to many causes since her childhood, she says working with Muskoka Victim Services is the most wonderful volunteer work she’s ever done.

“I’ve been nursing for 50 years and I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of remarkable things,” Shaw said. “This is probably right up there with being in the ER and saving people’s lives. It’s that rewarding.”

The training process was long but enjoyable, she said, and it prepared her well for going out in the field. She distinctly remembers the details of her first call seven years ago, down to the temperature that night. It was an early evening call to a fire and the woman affected was completely devastated.

“It was amazing to me how everything came together,” Shaw said. “It seemed like no time at all and we were leaving because she was calm and had a plan.”

After every call, Shaw feels like she’s made a big difference in someone’s life, and it’s a task she never has to face alone. Crisis responders are able to call on the team leaders and staff members for their expertise and support, and it’s a wonderful team to be a part of, she said.

Everyone at Muskoka Victim Services comes together for the common goal of serving people in need and the impact they have on their clients is evident.

“It’s so rewarding and you just know you’re making such a difference,” Shaw said. “You can see it in their faces, you can see it in their body language, how much they appreciate it.”

Whether it’s a violent crime, a fire or one of the many other scenarios in which they assist, Shaw said just being there, listening and caring for people in their greatest time of need is one of the most fulfilling experiences a person can have. 

Muskoka Victim Services provides a safe and supported environment, she said, and volunteers don’t need well-developed skills or experience to become a crisis responder. Anyone who cares about their neighbour and about being part of the solution is a perfect fit.

“Having a heart and caring is the most important asset that you can come with,” Shaw said. “Everything else, they’ll show you the way.”

To apply to become a volunteer crisis responder, visit the Muskoka Victim Services website.

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Justice Gregory Ellies delivered the verdict in Parry Sound court on Dec. 14. St. Amant was originally charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter as well as a second charge of causing indignity to a human body in October. 

He was sentenced to 15 years in jail for manslaughter but given credit for four years in custody, leaving 11 years for him to serve behind bars. On the second charge of causing indignity to a human body, St. Amant was sentenced to two years, which will be served concurrently with the 11-year sentence.

The victim, 36-year-old Amanda McClaskin, was last seen walking away from her home in Britt-Byng Inlet on Aug. 3, 2018. Her body was found eight days later in a wooded area near Lake Joseph Road in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

With files from Matt Sitler, Country 102

The post Mark St. Amant Sentenced To Another 11 Years Behind Bars In McClaskin Manslaughter Case appeared first on Muskoka411.